DASARI SRINIVASA RAO
Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency holds sway in national politics, with its elected representatives playing pivotal roles in New Delhi. Dr KL Rao, Parvathaneni Upendra, Lagadapati Rajagopal, and Kesineni Nani have each left their mark on the national stage.
Regardless of their party affiliations, MPs from Vijayawada have actively engaged in Central politics. Dr KL Rao, a distinguished engineer and former Union minister, served as the irrigation minister, contributing to several crucial multi-purpose projects. Parvathaneni Upendra, a former Opposition leader and Union minister for Parliamentary Affairs, wielded influence in the corridors of power. Likewise, Lagadapati Rajagopal and Kesineni Nani demonstrated their political acumen in New Delhi.
The upcoming elections in the Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency promise an intriguing spectacle, with sitting MP Kesineni Nani facing off against his brother, Kesineni Chinni. Nani, a two-time MP, has switched allegiance from TDP to YSRCP, adding a layer of complexity to the electoral landscape. Meanwhile, Chinni carries the banner of the TDP, setting the stage for a familial political rivalry.
Historically, the constituency has seen diverse political affiliations. While it was once a stronghold of the undivided CPI, the Congress party has emerged victorious in the majority of elections, underscoring its historical dominance. Dr KL Rao’s electoral triumphs remain unmatched, with his formidable margins securing his legacy in Vijayawada’s political annals.
The political landscape shifted post-bifurcation, with the YSRCP gaining substantial ground at the expense of Congress. Incidents, such as Lagadapati Rajagopal’s unconventional tactics during the anti-bifurcation movement, have left indelible marks on the region’s political memory.
While several MPs have made their mark with multiple terms in office, none have matched Dr KL Rao’s feat of three consecutive victories. Nevertheless, Kesineni Srinivas’s bid for a third term underscores his enduring influence in Vijayawada’s political landscape, despite changing party affiliations.
The forthcoming elections are poised to be fiercely contested, with both the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP vying for supremacy. The sibling rivalry between Kesineni Nani and Kesineni Chinni adds an intriguing dimension to the electoral narrative, capturing the attention of political observers and parties alike. As the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency, the outcome of these elections will undoubtedly shape the region’s political trajectory.
